Bengaluru, India: Committed to the Ongoing Formation of its members, Province of Bangalore organized a Renewal Programme for the priests who are in their 10th to 15th year of priesthood; 19 priests made use of the renewal held at Provincial Curia from 28 February to 02 March 2023.

The focus of the renewal was on Pastoral Spirituality, animated by Fr. Vincent Arokiadas, a priest of the archdiocese of Hyderabad. Fr. Vincent elaborated the priestly spirituality through the expectations of ideal and the reality of actual priesthood and spirituality.

Fr. Xavier Pereira, the prefect of formation, guided the participants in understanding the Claretian ongoing formation and its need in the daily lives of missionaries challenged by the modern times and expectations of the apostolate. Provincial Superior, Fr. Sabu George, help the participants to review the image of Claretian Missionary. The participants also had the opportunity to interact virtually with Superior General, Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, who helped them to be connected and rooted in the Lord and the missionary vocation. Two of the participants also shared in detail their experience of specific ongoing formation; Fr. Chinnanna about his studies in family apostolate and Fr. Ravikumar about the Forge programme.

Participants spent quality time during the encounter recalling and sharing their personal and communitarian vocational and apostolic journey.

It was time of being deeply rooted and connected to Claretian vocation and to be energized in order to be audacious in mission.

Doddaballapura, Bengaluru: Claretians of Province of Bangalore organised a regional youth get-together at St. Peter’s Church Doddaballapura on Sunday 19 February 2023. There were 64 youth from seven different parishes of the deanery who benefited from the opportunity.

The day began with the celebration of the holy Eucharist together with the parish community. After the Mass, Rev. Fr. Sabu George, the Provincial Superior, inaugurated the event in the presence Fr. Jaipaul Thumma, the Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry.

In his inaugural address, Fr. Provincial underlined the importance of Communion, Participation and Mission by the youth in their parishes.

The day’s activities were guided by different resource persons. Rev. Fr. Dominic Sequeira inspired the youth on orientations of life; Fr. Jaipaul, address the youth on the importance of right selection and decision to succeed in life; he also shared the examples from Claretian mission and ministries. Frs. Joseph Thoompanal, Claretian regional youth coordinator, Anthony D’Souza, the Parish Priest, Sebastian T., Mario Zalki, Valentine Anthony Raj, and Lourduswamy also joined the event to inspire the youth and to motivate them. 

The event received appreciation from the youth as well as their parishes for the opportunity and the efforts taken to give proper direction and orientation to the youngsters.

Nallajerla, Eluru: To help the parishioners to grow in Marian devotion and Marian spirituality, Infant Jesus Church Nallajerla organized a seminar for the Legion of Mary members of the parish on 03 February 2023. The seminar was attended by 85 members from different units of the parish.

Fr. Ch. Rajkumar from Visakhapatnam diocese animated the seminar and guided the participants on various aspects of Marian Devotion. Some of the themes focused during the seminar were, importance of Marian Devotion, purpose of Legion of Mary, daily living of Marian spirituality by the members, the responsibilities of the members, their role in the parish development, how to conduct the Mariadalm meeting etc. There were also some practical sessions on the organization of the Mariadalam meetings. During the session it was also decided to make the Maiadalam more active in the villages and to elect the office bearers for better organization and participation.

St. Claret School at Nallajerla was fortunate to get a new Mineral Water Plant through the project of Guntur Diocese. On 04 February 2023 His Excellency Most Rev. Chinnabathini Bhagaiah, Bishop of Guntur, inaugurated the plant.  The progamme coordinator Fr. U Kiran and Regional coordinator of Caritas Fr. K. Kiran were also present on the occasion.

Bengaluru: To mark the celebration of the Consecrated Life, a National Seminar on “Forever Yours: Fidelity and Perseverance in Consecrated Life” based on the document The Gift of Fidelity and the Joy of Perseverance was organised by SNYASA Institute for Consecrated Life at Carmelaram, Bengaluru on 28-29 January 2023.

Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez Sanz CMF, the Former Vicar General of Claretian Missionaries, was the Chief Guest for the celebration. The first plenary session on “Liquid Fidelity in a Fragmented World: A Reality Check” was delivered by Sr. Prabina Rudum IBVM, professor at Vidhyajothi College of Theology, Delhi. The speaker highlighted on liquid fidelity in this modern era and its impacts for fidelity and perseverance in consecrated life.

The second plenary session on “Honouring the Forever: Cultivating Fidelity and Perseverance” was delivered by Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez Sanz who emphasised on being faithful forever and underscored the ways to be faithful and to persevere in the light of the document Lumen Fidei. This was followed by Poster-presentation on various themes.

To conclude the day there was sharing of the Best Practices in Consecrated Life. Sr. Marina of Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of Good Shepherd shared the best practices of working in the field as daily coolies during the pre-novitiate period; Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor CMF, the best practice of conducting the General Chapter based on SAND (Synodal, Appreciative, Narrative and Discerning) Method and Novice Anjana of John the Baptist Congregation, the best practice of recalling the vocation story once a month.

The second day of the National Seminar started with a prayer dance. The third plenary session on “to Stay or Not to Stay: Discernment and Accompaniment” was presented by Sr. Anna Mary Thumma, SCCG, the Professor at National Vocation Service Centre, Pune. The fourth plenary session was delivered by Fr. Varghese Koluthura CMI, Professor at Dharmaram Vidhya Kshetra, Bengaluru on “Letting Go and Letting Be: Canonical Regulations in Departures. During the Case Clinic Session, three cases were presented and analysed by Fr. Varghese Koluthara, CMI together with the participants.  

The afternoon session began with a prayer dance and was followed by the panel discussion, moderated by Fr. Michael Plamparambil CMF, the Secretary and Dean of Studies of ICLS. The National Seminar came to an end with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez Sanz, CMF.

Nagpur: On the Republic Day of India, 26 January 2023, St. Claret School Butibori organised Bharat Dharshan (Social Science Exhibition) depicting the culture, tradition, culinary and artefacts of the country.

The aim of the exhibition was to celebrate the diversity of India and to spread the message of unity and integration. It was the fruit of the hard work and creativity of the students and the staff.

The programme received an overwhelming response from the parents and local people. They appreciated the management, staff and children for putting up an incredible show of cultures of India.

The Bharat Dharshan paved a platform for the students to exhibit their talents and became a means to educate all.

Thousands of parents, students and guests witnessed the extravagant exhibition. It was an incredible and first of its kind exhibition being presented in the area.

Bangalore, India: On January 26th, 2023, the province of Bangalore organized a one-day Vocation Orientation Programme at Claretian Seminary Bengaluru. The program was attended by 90 aspiring youth from Claretian parishes Jalahalli and Dasarahalli, with the goal of helping them discover their vocation to religious life.

Fr. Sabu George, Provincial Superior, inaugurated the sessions by encouraging the youth to focus on their life and discern properly in carrying out the mission of Christ in the style of St. Anthony Mary Claret, the founder of the congrigation.

Throughout the day, special motivational talks on vocation, choices, discernment, and the Claretian Congregation were given by Frs. Joseph Thoompanal, Tomy Urumbumkuzhiyil, Jessin Kocheril, Justin Kuzhivelil, and Jaipaul Thumma. Sisters from the Congregation of Daughters of Sacred Heart of Jesus were also present to motivate the youth.

Claretian Seminary students also organized captivating action songs and group dynamics to help the youth during the camp. The program was a success, and it helped the youth to have a better understanding of their vocation and to make a good discernment.

The event was a great opportunity for the youth to explore the religious life and to be guided in their discernment to respond to the call of God. The Province of Bangalore continues to support and encourage young people to discover their vocation and to live it with joy and generosity.

Kurnool: Deacon Male Jojappa, CMF was ordained priest on 09 January 2023 by Most Rev. M. D. Prakasam, Bishop of Nellore, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Sunkeswari in the diocese of Kurnool, the native parish of Jojappa. It was a unique and joyful celebration not only for the family of Jojappa but for the whole village, as most of the people joined in preparing and celebrating the solemn event.

Hyderabad: Deacon Veligandla Bala John, CMF was ordained priest on 30 December 2022 by Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, at Infant Jesus Shrine Emjala in the archdiocese of Hyderabad. Along with the family and relations of Bala John many Claretians, other clergy and religious joined the celebration.

The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday, 31 December 2022, at 9:34 AM in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.

We thank God for the person of Pope Benedict XVI and pray that he enjoy eternal peace in the Kingdom of God.

Barikhajuri, Jharkhand: A Claretian Regional Youth Meet in North India was organized at Barikhajuri mission under the banner of Prefecture of Youth and Vocation Ministry by the Province of Bangalore. It was jointly organised by Barwadih and Barikhajuri missions on 10 December 2022. Over 500 young people from Claretian Parishes and Schools of Barikhajuri and Barwadih along with students from Bargarh participated in the event.

Fr. Jaipaul Thumma, the Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry in the province was the chief guest for the programme.

Reconstructing the story of the Titanic ship, he spoke on the need for the young people to be prompt in picking up signals from God. He exhorted the youth to be grateful to the parents and take care of them. Fr. George Mattathil spoke on the reasons behind organizing such a meeting in the season of Advent, which encourages and deepens our faith in God and hope for better future. Fr. Deonis Kujur, the regional youth coordinator, along with other Claretians and parish youth leaders, helped in planning and organising the event. The activities of the day also included a Bible Quiz, Carol Singing and Dance Competition.

Bengaluru: The Local Superiors and Delegate Superiors of all the houses and residences of the Province of Bangalore came together for an annual meeting under the guidance of the provincial government. The meeting was held from 19 to 22 November 2022 at Claret Nivas Carmelaram.

The meeting discussed and evaluated the life and mission of the province; various aspects of the administration of the province was also discussed. Important themes in the life of province, like Living our Vocation in the Communities, Initial and Ongoing Formation, Education Ministry, Administration of the Parishes, Social Ministries in the Province, Projects through Mission Procurer, Ministry through the Institute of Consecrated Life (Sanyasa), Implementation of XXVI General Chapter Recommendations, Protocol in the Care of Minors, etc.

There were also special moments during the meeting. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, Superior General, addressed the members through online conference and updated on the journey of the congregation after the XXVI General Chapter and helped the Superiors to understand the process of Discernment in the role animation. Fr. Pedro Belderrain, the General Prefect of Apostolate, was on visit to the Province of Bangalore. On the final day of the meeting Fr. Pedro presided the Eucharist and had a session on Synodality and Shared Mission in the congregation.

The meeting was a time of revitalizing the members and the ministries of the province through the animating role of the superiors.

Bengaluru: As part of ongoing formation and spiritual renewal of the members, Province of Bangalore conducted spiritual retreat for its members from 14 to 18 November 2022 at Claret Nivas Bengaluru. 27 priests made use of this opportunity to spiritually enrich themselves. The Novice Master of province of Bangalore, Fr. Michael Mariadoss guided the retreat with on Inner Journey based on Claretian Themes.

Guntur, India: Claretian Missionaries of the Province of Bangalore organised a two days Regional (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh) Youth Fest on 3 and 4 October 2022 at Christ the Redeemer Church, Bhattiprolu. The theme for the event was “Mary rose and went with haste” (Lk.1:39). Fr. Jaipaul Thumma, Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry and Fr. Tappeta Martin, Regional Youth Coordinator were the chief organisers along with other Claretians. A total of 327 youth from the nine regional Claretian parishes participated in the event.

The inaugural session commenced with a prayer service – prayer dance, Bible reading and lighting of the lamp. Eucharistic Adoration, celebration of Holy Mass and Rosary devotion nourished the youth spiritually each day.

Among the guiding session, Fr. Thumma Jaipaul gave the Key Note Address. Mr. Sagar Gabbeta, Advisor of CCBI Youth Commission gave talks on ICYM-Parish Youth Leadership and Challenges Faced by Christian Youth. Sr. Sudha SOM dealt on use and influence of Social Media and Belief System and Happiness. The other interactive sessions included group dynamic, cultural programme by the youth, Bible Quiz, etc.

Bengaluru: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), (the government agency that assesses and accredits higher education institutions in India) has awarded St. Claret College (SCC), Bengaluru, an A+ rating (NAAC) with a CGPA of 3.31 on 4. As part of the accreditation process, the NAAC Peer Team consisting of three experts visited the SCC campus on September 2 and 3, 2022 and assessed the quality of education and the processes involved.  A+ grade is a significant improvement for SCC from the previous grade of B obtained in 2014.  Over the past seven years, SCC has been working on every parameter assessed by NAAC and significant improvements have been made in every area. As per the data available on NAAC website, from April 2019, as per the revised accreditation framework, out of the 857 colleges accredited by NAAC, only 4 have A++ grade and only 28 have A+ grade.  Principal, Rev. Dr. Thomas Thennadiyil expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Management, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and all the stakeholders for their tireless efforts and contributions towards this achievement.

St. Thomas Forane Church – Jalahalli: In commemoration of the 1950th Jubilee of the holy martyrdom of Apostle St Thomas, St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli in association with STARS Pithruvedi initiated a new sporting event - "THOMA CUP: Interparish Volleyball Tournament." 

The initiative provides a healthy platform for various units of the diocese to come together and nurture a good bonding amongst the members. During this inaugural year, on 28 August 2022, a total of 12 teams participated from the diocese. Rev. Fr. Sunny Matthew CMF, the Forane Vicar, inaugurated the event. The competition itself was intense and spirited keeping the purpose of the tournament. The winner of Thoma Cup 2022 is St Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli. The First Runner-up is St Joseph Church TC Palaya and the Second Runner-up is St Velankanni Matha Church, Muthanallur. Rev. Fr. Thomas Thennadiyil CMF awarded all the winners with the respective trophies and prizes. The whole event was organized by the members of STARS Pithruvedhi of Jalahalli Forane Church under the leadership of its President, Shri. Thamby Alappat and Executive Team. The Parish appreciates and congratulates all the organisers and participants for this meaningful event which makes the parish more vibrant.

Earlier during the month, 47 Students from the parish church attended the Angels Meet 2022 that was held in Christ School (ICSE). The event was organised by Commission for Bible and Catechetics of the Diocese of Mandya. Teachers Mrs Hena Jose and Mrs Rosy Theresia accompanied the students for the Angels Meet.

Tenali, Guntur: Celebrating the International Youth Day, on 12 August 2022, the Youth wing of Red Cross Society and L V Prasad Eye Institute organised an Eye Screening Camp at the Mukti Tribal Residential School, Tenali.

For the young students of the Mukti School, it was a blessing. Through this opportunity the School was able to identify those wards who need special care and attention. Six of the students were identified for further eye check-up and treatment; two of them would need immediate medical intervention to improve the eyesight.

Mukti, Society for Tribal Integration is ever grateful to Dr L V Prasad and his team and the Youth wing team of Red Cross headed by Mr Johnny. The society thanks Mrs Bhanumati, the Chairperson of the Red Cross Society, Tenali for organising a free Eye Camp for the students on the occasion of the International Youth Day. This indeed was not just an even but celebration of love and care.

Bengaluru: As part our Spiritual growth and nurishment, Province of Bangalore organised the second Annual Retreat for the members. The retreat started on 31 July and concluded on 05 August 2022 at Claret Nivas Carmelaram. This time there were 53 priests who participated in the retreat animated by Rev. Fr. Benny Koottanal MSFS.

MUKTI, Tenali: On Friday, 29 July 2022 MUKTI Residential School for Tribal Children had the joy of receiving the gift of a new Mineral Water Plant. It was made possible through the generosity of Young Group of Mission Ruah. Most Rev. Chinnabattini Bhagyaiah, the Bishop of Guntur blessed and inaugurated the new facility.

The need for the RO Mineral Water at Mukti Tribal Residential School, was felt and generously accepted by the initiative and support of Rev. Fr. Vunnam Kiran Kumar, who is an International Corona Warrior Award winner and Dr. Kanapala Joseph, the Vice-Principal of Andhra Christian College, Guntur.

This new facility, RO Mineral Water Plant, is of great help in providing clean and healthy drinking water to the poor children of Mukti School, of the Yanadi Tribal community. On the occasion, the School children put up a short programme to express their gratitude to the generous donors, the Young Group of Mission Ruah. We Claretians thank our collaborators in the mission.

BENGALURU: 25th June 2022 was a remarkable day; it was the solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the inauguration of common novitiate programme. All the novices from different novitiates gathered along with their formators at Claret Bhavan chapel. Rev. Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil CMF, the provincial superior, presided the Eucharistic celebration and encouraged the novices and the formators to have a fruitful year of formation. Around 57 novices and 14 formators participated in this joyful event. To begin with, the novices had a group dynamic session animated by Bro. George Xavier FSP. The formators also had a planning session.

Bengaluru: 31st May 2022, Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Claretian Vocation Day, was indeed a joyous day for all the Claretians in India. On this day all the Major Organisms in India have their Professions and Renewals; so some celebrate their Jubilees too.

Province of Bangalore had the special privilege of having the presence of Rev. Fr. Joseph Mbungu-Mutu, the General Prefect of Formation, who presided at the celebrations of Entry to Novitiate, First Profession and Renewal of Professions. On 30th May nine Postulants from different Major Organisms of India entered Novitiate at Claret Bhavan Carmelaram.

At the same venue, the next day four Novices of the Province of Bangalore made their First Profession and thirteen students renewed their vows (eleven from Bangalore and two from St. Thomas).

Indeed it was a renewed enthusiasm as for the past two years, due to the pandemic, such celebrations were not possible. Many Claretian conferrers, neighbouring priests and religious, well-wishers and families of those making their first profession were part of the solemn celebration.

Bengaluru: As part of the Ongoing Formation, Province of Bangalore organized a Renewal Encounter for its young priests ordained between 2014 and 2020. The renewal programme took place at Provincial Curia from 11th to 13th May 2022. There were 14 young Claretians who took part in the renewal encounter.  The main purpose of this coming together was to renew and refresh the young members engaged in different ministries in various mission centres of the province. The three day encounter consisted in sharing the joy of missionary life and some sessions of refresher inputs. Fr. Anil D’Sa, SDB helped the young Claretians to equip with enhanced methods of ministry with the youth. Fr. James Kannanthanam, CMF guided the group to understand the prudence needed in ministry with minors and vulnerable adults. Fr. Sebastian Theruvanmoola, CMF shared the modern ways of family ministry in the apostolate. The young priests were also able to spend half a day in Sumanahalli Campus visiting the persons affected with leprosy and HIV and understanding the concept of shared and collaborative ministry in apostolate. Provincial Superior, Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil, inspired the young Claretians in understanding the missionary vocation and community living.

Bengaluru: Province of Bangalore organized a Renewal Programme for the jubilarian members at Provincial Curia from 3rd to 5th of May 2022. During the past two years, due to Covid-19, the province could not organize such coming together and several times such gatherings had to be cancelled.  There were 24 members who celebrate their 50 Years of Religious life, 25 Years of Priesthood and 25 Years of Religious Life; however only 20 could be physically present for the programme.

As Claretians, men who are rooted in Christ and adore God in spirit, initiated the renewal with some time spent together in Eucharistic Adoration. Fr. Jacob Parappallil, MSFS guided the jubilarians to reflect on Religious Life and Mission. Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF inspired the group to reflect as Claretians marching towards growth. The jubilarians had ample time to share life and mission. The coming together itself was a joy of belonging. The programme was concluded with the solemn Eucharistic celebration and fellowship meal where other Claretians also joined to thank God and appreciate the jubilarians.

Bhattiprolu, Guntur: As part of Spiritual Formation and Nourishment and to prepare the faithful for the solemn celebrations of the Holy Week, Christ the Redeemer Parish Bhattiprolu conducted Lenten Prayers in the different village chapels of the parish on different days – Abbanagudavalli, Chavali, J.J. Colony, Juvvalapalem, Peravalipalem and Surepalle. In general the celebrations of the day included praying Way of the Cross, Praise and Worship, Preaching, Adoration, Confession, and concluding with the celebration of Holy Eucharist.  The faithful shared their joy for having such spiritual experience.

Peeranwadi, Belagavi: On 22 March 2022 Claret Niketan Minor Seminary at Belagavi held its Annual Day Celebrations for the year 2021-22. It was the official concluding of the academic, literary and cultural activities of the seminary. The function was solemnised with the presence of Dr Antonio Carvalho (Psychiatrist, KLE Medical College Belagavi), Dr Vilma Carvalho (Paediatrician, General Hospital Belagavi) and Fr. Paschal the Spiritual Director.

In his keynote address Dr Antonio Carvalho stressed on strengthening the aspect of faith among the modern seminarians. Fr. Jose Kattath, the rector of the seminary appreciated the students for their hard work and dedication during the academic year. The day’s celebrations were more colourful with various cultural programme staged by our students.  Presence of all the formators and priests of the community encouraged the young seminarians on this eventful day.

Bhattiprolu, Guntur: On 18th March 2022 St. Claret Youth from Christ the Redeemer Church Bhattiprolu made a visit to the Home for the Destitute run by the Sisters of Charity at Guntur. The youth spent some time interacting with the inmates and sharing some light moments with them. As a gesture of Lenten charity the youth contributed ? 5000 to the centre for a full meal to the inmates. The inmates expressed their joy and happiness for spending time with them and listening to them. This short visit was an eye opener for the youth to know the realities and struggles of the poor people; this helped them to take a decision that they will not allow their parents to face such situations rather they will take care of them till their death. As part of the pilgrimage, the youth group also visited St. Antony's Shrine, Guntur and Infant Jesus Cathedral Church at Pirangipuram.